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April 11, 2025 – BRICS nations are accelerating collaboration across multiple sectors as the bloc expands its influence in global economic and technological affairs. From statistical modernization to clean energy breakthroughs, the latest developments highlight the group’s commitment to shared growth and innovation.
A two-day meeting of heads of national statistical offices of BRICS countries was held in Lucknow, India, focusing on modernizing official statistics through international cooperation. Experts underscored the importance of harmonizing data standards to support evidence-based policymaking across the bloc. This meeting aligns with the BRICS Statistical Data and Information Working Group’s long-term agenda, which has been steadily improving data comparability since its inception. With India chairing the session, the group aims to establish a framework for real-time data exchange and joint statistical research, a move that could enhance economic forecasting and trade analysis among member states.
China is witnessing a rapid rise in “technology tourism” as a new pillar of inbound travel. Instead of traditional sightseeing, growing numbers of international visitors are traveling to experience the country’s advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, smart manufacturing, and digital innovation. According to recent data from China’s National Immigration Administration, technology-themed travel bookings increased by 45% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, with tech hubs like Shenzhen, Beijing, and Shanghai attracting the most visitors. This shift is supported by China’s expanding service economy and government initiatives to promote innovation-driven tourism, positioning the country as a global leader in experiential travel.
New international tourism data released by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) shows Brazil recorded the fourth-largest increase in overseas visitor arrivals between 2019 and 2025. The country welcomed over 6.5 million international tourists in 2024, a recovery rate of 98% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Brazil’s success is attributed to improved air connectivity, visa facilitation for key markets, and the resurgence of major events like Carnival and the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival. The tourism boom is also driving investments in sustainable travel infrastructure, with the government allocating $2.3 billion for eco-tourism projects in the Amazon region.
Ethiopia is accelerating its transition to electric mobility through a nationwide strategy that combines the expansion of electric vehicles (EVs), cleaner public transport, and alternative fuel infrastructure. The government has set a target to import 500,000 EVs by 2030, backed by tax exemptions and investments in charging stations. In parallel, Ethiopia is developing natural gas transport systems and piloting electric buses in Addis Ababa. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce fuel imports, which currently cost the country $4 billion annually, and to strengthen long-term economic resilience. Ethiopia’s National Electric Mobility Strategy 2025–2030 also includes partnerships with Chinese EV manufacturers and local assembly plants.
India and Russia are stepping up efforts to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, with both countries expanding cooperation across trade, energy, technology, and skilled employment. According to the Indian Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade reached $65 billion in 2024, driven by energy imports and defense cooperation. The new target is backed by a roadmap signed during the 2024 BRICS Summit, which includes a bilateral investment treaty, a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, and increased collaboration in nuclear energy and space exploration. Russia has also committed to supplying 10 million tons of coking coal to India’s steel sector annually by 2027.
Indonesia is accelerating research into next-generation solar panel technologies as part of its strategy to strengthen energy independence and build a competitive domestic manufacturing industry. Scientists at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) are developing perovskite-silicon tandem cells, which offer higher efficiency than traditional silicon panels. The government has allocated $150 million for a solar research hub in West Java, aiming to produce 5 GW of advanced solar capacity by 2028. This initiative dovetails with Indonesia’s goal to achieve 23% renewable energy in its national energy mix by 2030, and to reduce reliance on imported solar components from China.
A research team from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), together with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, is developing a herbal tea made from young date palm shoots and unripe green dates. The beverage is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, and offers a value-added outlet for by-products of date farming, which generates millions of tons of waste annually. The UAE’s date palm industry produces over 1.2 million tons of dates per year, and the new tea could help reduce waste while creating a premium export product. Initial taste tests show high consumer acceptance, and the team plans to scale up production within two years.
Iran has entered the world’s top 10 countries by the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites following the inscription of Alamut Fortress on the World Heritage
